🎶 The “most definitive Orlando mixtape" ever

Plus, why this Orlandoan is riding his lawnmower coast-to-coast.

By Katie Johnston

We’re starting today’s newsletter off with a welcoming piece of good news: Starting Monday, April 5, all Floridians aged 18 and up will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 🎉 Gov. Ron DeSantis made the announcement yesterday, noting that with more than 70% of the seniors in the state already vaccinated, Florida is “ready to take this step.”

But before then, starting this Monday, March 29, vaccines will be available to Floridians aged 40 and up. That’s been the case in Orange County for like a week now, but still, y’know, good news!

Moving right along, let’s talk about some more feel-good news rolling into the weekend just after we all take a deep breath and imagine how cool-to-the-touch this water must feel right about now…  

What Orlando is talking about

🍲 Shinjung Korean Restaurant announced its reopening plans earlier this week. The Mills 50 Korean BBQ spot burned down in 2019 during a devastating fire but was able to raise money through a GoFundMe and will reign supreme yet again come spring.  (Shinjung Korean Restaurant on Facebook)

🚜 Driving a lawnmower from coast to coast down Highway 50 is one way to raise awareness for a charity close to heart. Chip from Main Street Mowers is doing just that to raise money for West Orange Habitat for Humanity. The local businessman would love it if you’d donate to his cause. (GoFundMe) 

🎶 Music fans, rejoice — the long-awaited compilation album benefitting Will’s Pub drops today. Arguably one of the better things to come out of the pandemic, this album is the work of 18 local artists (not to mention Will’s Pub enthusiasts) who’ve rallied to ensure the coveted live music institution sticks around. Orlando Weekly calls it the “most definitive Orlando mixtape” ever organized. Download it on Bandcamp for $10 today. (Orlando Weekly) 

🌡️ The Wells’Built Museum is hosting a free health education event today for Orlandoans looking for information on the COVID-19 vaccine and other health tips. The inaugural “Your CheckUp, Your GetUp'' starts at 11 a.m. and runs through 3 p.m. (Orlando Weekly) 

🐶 The annual Pints and Paws Craft Beer Fest returns to Sanford tomorrow. Now in its ninth year, the boozy pet-friendly event is raising money for local animal rescue orgs Dolly’s Foundation and Pet Rescue by Judy. Tickets start at $40 and the event runs from 2-6 p.m. (Historic Downtown Sanford)

Promotion from Orange County Library System

Things to do

Submit your events to our calendar.

Today

🛍 Support local while shopping this pop-up weekly nighttime market outside of Persimmon Hollow (Lake Eola)

🍿 Grab your tickets to see "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III" outside on the big screen (Mills 50)

🍎 Hear from a panel of women academics how the pandemic has affected their teaching, scholarships, and more

🍻 Enjoy beer and wine and a nighttime viewing of the annual "Art in Blooms" exhibit at Orlando Museum of Art (Loch Haven Park)

🎼 Don't miss an incredible evening with four-time Independent Music Award-winning singer & songwriter, Deejay Young! (Timucua Arts Foundation)

Tomorrow

🍕 Let Chef Michael teach you how to make artisan pizza using fresh ingredients (Orlando Brewing )

🧘 Wind down your day with this slow-paced, meditative Yin yoga class, instructed by Rob Walsh (Downtown)

🎉 Walk/run for a good cause at Lighthouse Central Florida's Sight & Sole WalkFest finish line event (Downtown)

♻️ Get your hands dirty while cleaning up the 'hood (Milk District)

☮️ Stretch out the weekend with a yoga class outdoors at Mead Botanical Garden (Winter Park)

🎨 Head up and east to peruse the Annual DeLand Outdoor Art Festival (DeLand)

☮️ Take the kids out to unwind with a yoga class in the park (Winter Park)

🐶 Sample local craft beers with your best furry, four-legged friend (Sanford)

🌻 Dust off your green thumbs for the Annual Florida Wildflower and Garden Festival (DeLand)

🐰 Celebrate Easter on the Farm at Lake Meadow Naturals with fresh egg sandwiches, pony rides, and more family fun (Ocoee)

Sunday

🍻 Finish the weekend strong with local beer and shopping local art at Orlando Brewing's pop-up market (SoDo)

👟 Don't tap out before running this 5K around the lake followed by some celebratory brews (Ivanhoe)

☮️ Get outside and on the water on your boards for this SUP Yoga class at newly-reopened Rock Springs Run (Apopka)

🍻 Start your Sunday with a run and a workout then finish strong with brunch and beers from Orlando Brewing (SODO)

🛍 Shop local BIPOC vendors at this weekly pop-up market (Winter Park)

Wednesday

👰 Mix up a cocktail or two and mingle with other locals who work in Orlando's wedding industry (The Milk District)

Thursday

🎤 Watch Opera Orlando's Carmen in-person at Dr. Phillips Center (Downtown) - Sponsored

One more thing

Still seeking more adventure? We don’t blame you. When was the last time you got out and explored Plant City? Outside of the annual Strawberry Fest, I’m going to guess it’s been rare. Take a day trip this weekend and be sure to check off all of Lemonhearted’s suggestions in her guide to Plant City.

I’ll see you in your earbuds on Monday and back in your inboxes on Tuesday, folks. 

Enjoy your weekend!

– ✌️ Katie at Pulptown

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